Danny Glover Among Actors in Film Shot in Lake Alfred, Lake Wales

Writer, director, producer and Lake Alfred native Jeremiah Hatfield and a crew of locals began filming a movie last month that starred local talent and brought famed actor Danny Glover to Polk County.

By SARAH ESCUELEDGER MEDIA GROUP CORRESPONDENT

Writer, director, producer and Lake Alfred native Jeremiah Hatfield and a crew of locals began filming a movie last month that starred local talent and brought famed actor Danny Glover to Polk County. The movie was filmed in multiple locations in Central Florida, including the MacKay House, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Camp Mack River Resort, Ron's Tackle Box, and L.A. Bar and Grill.Hatfield said the almost-century old MacKay House in Lake Alfred was the perfect spot for filming Short Bus Productions' new mystery thriller: "The Lighthouse." The shoot was a homecoming for one actor."It was really cool to be home," said Shane Hartline, 25, a Lake Wales native who moved to Los Angeles recently to become an actor. "This was an amazing experience, and it's cool to shoot this big film in our small town."Filming for the spine-chilling, mystery/thriller ended Sept. 5.Hatfield, 35, is known for writing and directing the television series "Reality Rednecks," and began writing "The Lighthouse" nine years ago. Hatfield collaborated with Samuel Morris to write the haunting tale in which a curious group of friends seek a famous lighthouse that possesses an ominous past. Death and suspicion arise upon the group, and they soon realize that things are not always what they seem.Starring an array of notable actors, such as Glover and Byron Cherry, this film also features some fairly fresh faces, such as Hartline, Kurt Angle, Gabriella Stone and Hatfield.Although Hartline vaguely knew Hatfield before he received the role of Tripp, he was introduced to this opportunity by his friend Andrew Martinet. When Hatfield met Hartline, it was obvious he had to have a role in this movie."Working with such an experienced actor such as Danny Glover was a rare opportunity," Hartline said. The cast "became close friends and pulled it together for the intense scenes."Hartline said he hopes the audience sees brilliancy in what he calls a gritty, classic thriller."It has a big twist, and it's not what you expect. It feels very real," Hartline said."The Lighthouse" cast and crew worked long hours for six days and nights at the MacKay House, a favorite spot for weddings in Lake Alfred. The Lake Alfred Fire Department was on scene for the filming.The L.A. Bar and Grill and Ron's Tackle Box, both in Lake Alfred, also make appearances in the film. Hatfield said the bar had an appealing rawness and animated employees. Ron's Tackle Box in Lake Alfred was portrayed as a decrepit convenience store.The film also features Camp Mack River Resort in Lake Wales, where Mack's owners, employees, guests and even the surrounding neighbors helped in filming. Some neighbors even loaned a car to the production.But for "The Lighthouse's" lighthouse, filmmakers had to look outside landlocked Polk County. Instead, they used the lighthouse at Ponce de Leon Inlet, the tallest lighthouse in Florida. The film is the second feature film shot in Polk County in the last few years, but won't be the last, Hatfield said."I couldn't have asked for better," Hatfield said. "The whole crew was wonderful. They were the biggest blessing. I will definitely film in Central Florida again."A release date for "The Lighthouse" has not been announced yet.